Investigation into the initiation and evolution mechanism of rail weld irregularities due to wheel impacts in High-Speed railways

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL Engineering Failure Analysis Pub Date : 2025-03-14 DOI:10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109530

G. Bethel Lulu , Boyang An , Rong Chen , Ping Wang , Yaoliang Sun , Sentayehu Lelisa Diririsa

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The evolution of geometric irregularities at rail welds poses a significant challenge to the safety, performance, and maintenance of high-speed railway systems. High-frequency wheel-rail dynamics, induced by wheel polygonization and variations in rail hardness, significantly accelerate the formation and progression of these irregularities. Over time, this leads to damage to both vehicle and track components. This study investigate the initiation and evolution mechanism of rail weld irregularity caused by wheel impacts and rail hardness gradients. The approach integrates vehicle-track dynamics, wheel-rail contact mechanics, and wear modeling. A detailed field measurement campaign was conducted to gather baseline data on rail weld irregularities and wheel surface defects. The model was validated using this field data and subsequently applied to explore the initiation and progression of rail weld irregularities. The role of wheel polygonal wear and the hardness gradient at the weld section are analyzed to elucidate their contributions to pressure distribution and the growth of irregularities. Key factors considered include wheel polygonization, vehicle speed, contact pressure, rail hardness, and the number of vehicle cycles. The results highlight that vehicle speed, wheel defects, and hardness gradients play a critical role in the initiation and evolution of rail weld irregularities in high-speed railway systems.

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来源期刊

Engineering Failure Analysis 工程技术-材料科学：表征与测试

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

20.00%

发文量

956

审稿时长

47 days

期刊介绍： Engineering Failure Analysis publishes research papers describing the analysis of engineering failures and related studies. Papers relating to the structure, properties and behaviour of engineering materials are encouraged, particularly those which also involve the detailed application of materials parameters to problems in engineering structures, components and design. In addition to the area of materials engineering, the interacting fields of mechanical, manufacturing, aeronautical, civil, chemical, corrosion and design engineering are considered relevant. Activity should be directed at analysing engineering failures and carrying out research to help reduce the incidences of failures and to extend the operating horizons of engineering materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical properties of materials and their behaviour when influenced by structure, process and environment. Metallic, polymeric, ceramic and natural materials are all included and the application of these materials to real engineering situations should be emphasised. The use of a case-study based approach is also encouraged. Engineering Failure Analysis provides essential reference material and critical feedback into the design process thereby contributing to the prevention of engineering failures in the future. All submissions will be subject to peer review from leading experts in the field.